Groundwork is thrilled to honor Kim Pontius with the 2018 Milliken Leadership award. In so many ways, Kim embodies Groundwork’s mission. He has a huge and inspiring vision for what is possible, informed by research and understanding. He is hard-driving and relentless about achieving public interest goals. He’s practical and strategic and he vigorously promotes the principle that a thriving economy depends on a clean environment. Beyond all that, Kim is a kind, compassionate, dedicated person who adds value and verve to everything he does. Groundwork is lucky to call Kim a trusted friend and partner, and Northwest Michigan is incredibly fortunate to have Kim among its most effective leaders.

It is with deep gratitude the Groundwork honors you for your committed service as chair of the board from 2015 to 2018. With keen intelligence and thoughtful insight buoyed by an enduring passion for the people and places of Michigan, you led our board with a steady hand that made our whole organization stronger and more effective. Thank you Maureen for giving so much of yourself to our shared cause. Your achievements as chair will forever be appreciated by all of us.

Groundwork is thrilled to honor Mary Van Valin with the 2017 Milliken leadership award. Mary arrives at this celebrated moment not by way of a high-level career in politics or business; rather Groundwork recognizes Mary simply for the content of her character, for who she is, and the way she inspires all of us to be better human beings. As an educator for 30 years, Mary supported and encouraged a generation of children to become young leaders and thinkers and dreamers and doers. Mary’s compassion for others, her graceful manner, and her unyielding commitment to do whatever it takes to help the people and the environment have resulted in an astounding track record of achievement in conservation, climate solutions, and community well-being.

In a decades-old, collaborative movement to grow local agriculture, how does one man emerge to change the future of an entire food system? In two ways: first by understanding that distribution is the fulcrum for growth and, second, by having the courage to conjure up a bold vision for a 21st Century social enterprise company that connects people to good food. Chip Hoagland is that unique leader. With a powerful persistence, an insatiable curiosity, and a kind-hearted, even humble, ability to support others and create real, lasting partnerships, Chip has put Michigan on the map as an innovator in the national movement for healthy, locally grown food.

He has given us an inspiring model of what’s possible when ideas, action, and determination are joined with a commitment to doing the right thing. All of us at Groundwork — along with your many, many friends on this journey—salute you, Chip, for all that you’ve achieved, and we extend our heartfelt appreciation for all that you’ve given.

As a dedicated family man with two teenage kids and a demanding job, this is most likely the busiest time in Craig Sharp’s life—certainly not an easy time to step forward and lead the Groundwork board of directors. But Craig is an extraordinary man. With incredible efficiency, endless personal energy, and a deep passion for a mission he believes in to his very bones, Craig committed to serve as chair because he knew he could add value. He was more than right. After four years under Craig’s unflinching leadership, Groundwork is a better organization with sharper programs, a great new name, expanded public support, a more engaged board, and stronger financial footing. Of course many hands go into these achievements, but it was Craig’s smart, focus and compassionate style of leadership that made the difference. Thank you, Craig, for your exceptional service and selfless commitment to the cause.

Throughout his extraordinary 36 years of service in the United States Senate, Senator Carl Levin was a true leader on so many issues of our generation. Here at Groundwork, we are thrilled that a man of his unshakable integrity and towering intellect had strong cities and a clean environment on his priority list. In the late 1990s, as the national anti-sprawl movement gained traction, Senator Levin moved swiftly to establish the bipartisan Smart Growth Task Force. He consistently pushed urban revitalization, farmland protection, and environmental conservation, and never hesitated to go to the mat for urgent issues like expanding rail service, protecting the Great Lakes, supporting our National Park Service. Senator Levin’s commitment to his country and to Michigan has resulted in healthier people, livelier downtowns and cleaner air and water—gifts that will live on for generations to come, and for which we will be forever grateful.

It is a bit unconventional to speak about a man’s legacy while he’s still alive, but the rebirth of the Grand Traverse commons is all about legacy—a living, breathing celebration of past and future—and nobody ever accused Ray Minervini following convention! How did one man have such a vision? There is no simple answer, but one thing is clear: Ray believes in the power of humanity. At a turbulent time on this planet, Ray sees optimism and hope. When renovating millions of square feet of a former asylum, Ray did not see the obstacles. He envisioned what was possible. And somewhere deep down he knew that people naturally want to come together—and that the commons could be that place for building community.

In recognition of Sharon, Jimmy, and Marcy Spencer—and all of the amazing folks at Pine Hill Farm—for their unwavering commitment and leadership toward creating a sustainable local food economy. Their entrepreneurial spirit is a shining model of how hard work and purposeful vision can grow something incredibly special. They lead by example. They build community. They give all of us a chance to experience farming at its finest.

Senator Debbie Stabenow is one of the rare leaders who not only embodies Helen Milliken’s deep-seated values, but carries them forward with the same unflappable poise and steadfast determination. She has worked tirelessly for a broadened review of agriculture that recognizes its critical role in building vibrant local economies and providing healthy food for children and families. She engages respectfully the broadest range of stakeholders, and will not be stopped in advancing common sense, bipartisan efforts to achieve historic change. The Michigan Land Use Institute salutes Senator Stabenow for her stalwart efforts on behalf of agriculture, small family farmers, and all of us who need and want to eat the food that Michigan farmers grow.

Ask those who have had the chance to collaborate with Don Cole to describe him, and there is no telling what you will get. Savvy businessman. Unrelenting activist. Practical problem-solver. Creative thinker. Hard-hitting spokesperson. Don is all of this—and more. But Don’s complexity is not random. His actions are tied to a simple but powerful belief that farming matters in Michigan; and a conviction that if we take bold steps now we can create a durable agricultural economy that creates a lasting opportunity for generations to come. Working shoulder to shoulder with the Michigan Land Use Institute and many other partners, Don has emerged as a driving force behind Northwest Michigan’s role at the forefront of this movement. For all that you’ve given and for all the lies ahead, we celebrate your wise and unyielding leadership.

“What do you need to be a more effective organization?” When Denis Pierce asked that question and decided to help us with the answer, he not only confirmed his deep commitment to the Michigan Land Use Institute mission, but also showed a powerful willingness to help us carry it forward for the long haul. It was an act of extraordinary insight and generosity, but what is truly amazing about Denis is that he has this kind of catalyzing partnership with a host of organizations that advance his belief in sustainability, fairness, and serving those most in need. Denis, for all that you have done for MLUI and the kind of joyful way in which you do it, we extend our most heartfelt gratitude.

The caring, deeply personal touch you brought to taste the Local Difference involved so much more than simply listing growers and businesses in our nationally recognized farm and food guide. One by one, you built strong, deep relationships throughout the region, reflecting the passionate, people-first commitment that graced all of your great work. From teaming up with your sponsors or finding fresh local produce in and up north winter, to sharing your local food recipes and lovely weekly emails, your warmth and professionalism flowed from your deep love of people and land and your unshakable commitment to building a beautiful, harmonious community. We are honored to have worked with you.

With a clear vision for what a nonprofit organization can be, and uncanny skill for clarifying complex situations, and an unfailing ability to light up a room with crusty good cheer and penetrating wit, you have been an extraordinary and inspiring model of dedication and commitment. Under your leadership as board chair, the Michigan Land Use Institute has become a better, smarter, and stronger organization. All of us at the Institute—the entire staff, your colleagues on the board, and all of our supporters who recognize the valuable role you played—celebrate your service and extend a big, warm, “Thank you, Reg!” for all you have done to make the Institute a more effective voice for our great state.

As much as any young leader today, you embody the core values and principles that Governor and Helen Milliken share with our great state: passion, truth, humility, and a keen understanding that true prosperity requires a clean environment and an engaged citizenry. We live in difficult divisive times, but your rare and precious ability to bring people together from all walks of life inspires us. Yours is a unique talent, built on personal character that your friends at the Michigan Land Use Institute—and many, many others—trust and believe in. We look forward to your continued leadership.

Many people are talking about sustainability these days but you’re doing so much more than that. You are dedicated to understanding what’s at stake as our oil-based economy faces its true limits, and, with great care, making Crystal Mountain a model of what a green business should be. You also leverage your hard-earned credibility as a business leader to speak strongly for the steps Michigan must take to prosper in the 21st-century. The Michigan Land Use Institute salutes you for all that you have accomplished and for the inspiration your leadership imbues in all of us.